A review for Dryer Vent Wizard of the Greater North Bay Area

Disaster averted at animal shelter

By Mickey Zeldes June 3, 2010 02:11 pm
The recent tragedy that happened to the Berkeley East-Bay Humane Society is resonating throughout the animal shelter world. On May 20 the BEBHS suffered the loss of half their facility in a mid-night fire. Also lost were over a dozen cats that were up for adoption. The suspected origin of the fire was the shelter’s dryer.

Closing the shelter pending repairs and the need to evacuate the surviving animals is a shelter manager’s worst nightmare and the loss of life makes it especially emotional for the staff and volunteers who work there. Being a private, non-profit agency puts the burden of the bill squarely on the public in terms of needing donations in order to rebuild.

Coincidentally, earlier that week, one of our shelter dryers caught fire. But it was during the day when staff was there to quickly catch it and put it out. Chalking it up to an old machine, we ordered a new set and didn’t really think more about it. When this incident in Berkeley happened we changed our protocol about running the dryers after hours - it was our practice to throw one last load in to dry before we left for the night - and congratulated ourselves on having two fairly new dryers in good working order.

Little did we know that we had done nothing to address the bigger problem.

Right after news of the fire was released, we received a call from Rhonda Nole, owner of the Dryer Vent Wizard. A self-proclaimed animal lover, Rhonda was shaken by the disaster in Berkeley and wanted to make sure it wouldn’t happen in her county. She offered us a free inspection of our dryer vents so she could be assured our building was safe. I was very grateful but explained that we had two new units so it would be a waste of her time. She insisted and said there would be no charge if she could just come out to look. How could I refuse an offer like that!

When Rhonda came she immediately noticed our new dryer was running very hot (on the exterior - not normal) and there was water dripping from the exhaust vent. I’m sure that when we noticed it, we would have assumed there was an installation problem but she said that was not the issue. What she guessed had actually caused the initial fire was the fact the vent from the wall to the ceiling where the machine vented out of the building was blocked and without airflow the heat and moisture was backing up.

A climb up on the roof confirmed the fact that neither vent had any airflow at all. We were a disaster waiting to happen!

I thought we were doing what was needed by insisting the lint screens were cleaned after each load (with all the fur, dust, and litter at the shelter you can imagine how full they become) and having Public Works out on a regular basis to clean the machines and vents.

What I didn’t realize was they were only cleaning the vents from the machine to the wall. They didn’t have the equipment to clean the vents inside the walls to the ceiling. Apparently this hadn’t been done since the shelter was built about 15 years ago (even home machines should be professionally cleaned once a year). Not only does this keep the machines safe, but also, they run more efficiently. We were having to cycle loads through two and three times to get things dry. We had the Dryer Wizard do the necessary cleaning and they pulled almost nine pounds of packed lint out of about 13 feet of vent from our roof.

Whew - a local disaster averted and an important lesson learned. When was the last time your dryer vents were cleaned?

Charlotte, NC Consumers Thank the Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard for Making a Difference

This picture shows a dryer vent disconnection at a condominium at Lake Norman.

Charlotte, NC – The Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard of Charlotte cannot say enough about dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation. The clothes dryer is a wonderful invention, that provides convenience and efficiency, but it all goes up in smoke when dryer vents are not properly maintained.

The National Fire Prevention Administration reports over 15,000 fires annually, costing millions of dollars, many injuries and loss of live. Consumers in Mecklenburg consider themselves lucky to reside in the Wizard’s service area.

Dave Lavalle is the Wizard of Charlotte. He provides a very important service while encouraging public awareness through his relationships with his customers. “Education is a big part of our service,” said Lavalle. “My job is not complete until my customers understands the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation.

Dave provides a 10-point safety inspection of a dryer vent system and then presents his recommendations to the customer, explaining why dryer vent repair or alteration is necessary. “I find at least 1 problem with 9 out of 10 dryer vent systems,” said Lavalle. “My customers express relief and gratitude when I point out the problem and explain the solution.”

According to Dryer Vent Wizard, in addition to being a fire hazard, clogged dryer vents cost consumers over $300 per year in excess energy. It is not normal for a dryer to take several cycles to properly dry clothes, even if the appliance is getting old. Increased drying time is a sure sign of lint build-up in the dryer duct system, restricting air flow and leading to a fire hazard. Dryer Vent Wizard advises consumers to try removing the dryer vent tubing while drying one or two loads of laundry to test for a venting problem. If drying time improves, then there is a blockage that needs to be addressed.

Dryer Vent Wizard professionally inspects and cleans clothing dryers and dryer vent systems for homeowners and in commercially-owned buildings. Poorly maintained dryer vents are fire hazards and cause clothes dryers to cost substantially more to operate.

Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.

The Dryer Vent Cleaning Wizard Makes a Difference for Charlotte Consumers

Dryer vent cleaning reduces energy consumption and eliminates a serious fire hazard.

Dryer vent cleaning and proper dryer vent installation ensures clothes dryers operate safely and efficiently. Poorly vented clothes dryers pose several risks including: mold and mildew damage to homes, significantly increase energy bills, wear and tear on the dryer, appliance breakdown, and worse yet, dryer fires. For those who have gas dryers, add carbon monoxide poisoning to the list of hazards associated with failure to clean and maintain dryer vent systems. Dave Lavalle owns Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte, specializing in complete dryer vent cleaning, repair, installation and alteration.

Dryer Vent Wizard's only business is dryer vent systems; therefore, consumers trust their trained Technicians to make their clothes dryers fire-safe and energy-efficient. Everyone operating a clothes dryer needs dryer vent cleaning performed periodically. Dryer Vent Wizard installs and services dryer vent systems in single family homes, apartments and condos; businesses, commercial laundries, hair salons, spas, government operate homes and more. Dryer Vent Wizard technicians are happy to provide a very important service while they educate their customers on the importance of dryer vent cleaning and proper installation. They guarantee a complete service, addressing all issues relating to the dryer vent system.

Dryer Vent Wizard of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Dave Lavalle provide dryer vent cleaning, repair and installation for homes and businesses within Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, Davidson, Huntersville, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Matthews, Pineville.

Contact:
David Lavalle
10937 Harrowfield Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
704-886-7078
davidlavalle@gmail.com
www.charlottedryerventlady.com

28202, 28203, 28204, 28205, 28206, 28207, 28208, 28209, 28210, 28211, 28212, 28213, 28214, 28215, 28216, 28217, 28223, 28226, 28035, 28036, 28025, 28027, 28078, 28134, 28031, 28144, 28146, 28147.